enoteca pinchiorri

from time to time we will write articles on past experiences had in the food world. to show our international focus i would like to reminisce on the wonderful restaurant enoteca pinchiorri in florence, italy. i dined there in 2002 and vividly remember the scene when we arrived. After a bit of speculation on a cab ride, we found the unassuming entrance. when we walked into the eatery, the staff lined up in a row- about 12 deep and each greeted each member of our party with a "buena setta". the kind of good evenings that were genuinely heartfelt. these people had never seen us, but we knew their mettle was there. the dining was spectacular, i cant say i remember any of the numerous dishes, but the food was spectacular. i think it is the nicest restaurant in all of italy. the proprietor was the most gracious woman you could meet. she spoke broken english, but communicated her love of food and service with her smile and effervescent personality. it seems in europe getting professional service is continental. in america big cities are usually hit, but there is room for improvement on a lot of other areas. seems to go hand in hand with the experience. i hope that genial staff is still serving 6 star dinners near the duomo. and i hope to again be greeted by a chorus of "bueno setta"s!!!!